The report states that Achivka was founded by Haddazji in December 2022, and he is its majority owner. Another Nintendo Russia employee, corporate events manager Ksenia Kachalova, is listed as a minority owner. Achivka's listed legal address is also the same as Nintendo's Russian headquarters.
While it is legal in Russia for anyone to import goods without the manufacturer's approval, the report raises questions over Nintendo's involvement with Achivka, and the extent to which it was aware it was importing Nintendo products into Russia, and being run by its local branch CEO. Nintendo did not respond to a request for comment by Kommersant. Eurogamer has contacted Nintendo itself for more information, and to ask whether Nintendo believes it appropriate its most senior Russian employee is involved.Nintendo confirmed to Eurogamer it was investigating Haddaji's conductRussian Nintendo fans called for Haddaji to be removed, though the company ultimately let Haddaji off with a slapped wrist.
"Going forward, Nintendo of Europe will be providing more resources to Nintendo Russia to support their efforts to bring Nintendo products and experiences to Russian players,""We want to ensure that the conduct of all our employees is in line with Nintendo's company values, and we remain committed to upholding these standards in the future."
Nintendo sits among a long list of other video games companies which have abandoned Russia for the time being, including Microsoft, PlayStation, EA, CD Projekt, Activision Blizzard, Ubisoft, and Take-Two.
Whaaaat? Nintendo is scummy? Who knew? /Sarcasme off
Bad Russians who want to play Mario. 😂
in Yasha we trust
Money is money right?
Had no clue there was a Nintendo of Russia, and that it's still in operation is even more surprising.
It must suck to be gamer in Russia
Good.
LFG!
What did they expect, lol?